May 7, 2011

The fire and the passion are coming! [UPDATE #2]

“I do want to bring some enthusiasm, some fire, some passion,” Peavy said Saturday. “I certainly think the ballclub could use a shot in the arm. I not promising anything, by any means, but I can promise you this: We’re going to compete on that day. Not to say that we haven’t been—but there’s going to be more energy than we’ve had and go out there and try to turn things around, because we’ve dug ourselves a pretty nice hole here.”

“I’ve heard that, and it was tough for me to hear [questions like] ‘Are you going to be honest with the guys this time, and tell them how you feel?’” Peavy said. “I’ve been honest my whole time in Chicago. I’m a competitor — I’m going to pitch if I feel I can pitch. If I’m under doctor’s order not to, I won’t. But I’ve been honest with everybody, and we all think at this point in time I’m as healthy and strong as I can be out of surgery. We don’t think we’re putting anything at risk. So I look forward to getting the ball and create some positive energy.”

One piece of good news about Jake Peavy, who has yet to pitch this season: The White Sox have insurance on Peavy, according to sources. One source suggested the team has already met its deductible, meaning it will begin receiving payments on Peavy if it hasn’t already. White Sox GM Ken Williams recently defended the trade that brought Peavy to Chicago from San Diego two years ago, saying a No. 1 pitcher is imperative.